Robert trewem bear



me Model.)

. PMT. BEAR.

BOOT 0R SHOE STRETGHER.

Patented Mar. 6, `1894.

UNITED `STATES PATENT Brion.

ROBERT TREWEM BEAR, OF ST. GERMAN, ENGLAND.

BOOT OR SHOE STRETCH-1ER.,

SEEGIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 515,857, dated March 6,1894.

a Application filed April 5, 1893. Serial No. 469,080. (No model.)

ably formed with a conntersunk hole and the the toe, to ease the toes ofthe wearer and is# especially intended for use by those having swollentoes, coi-ns or the like.

The device consists of two plates, preferably of metal, one of whichforms a base and is placed on the sole of the boot inside, being shapedto tit the toe, the other, which is tted adjustably on it, is curved orbent into the shape of the upper at that part. The latter plate isadjusted vertically on the former by a screw action, operated by aloosely pivoted lever, capable of engaging with and being disengagedfrom a disk on the screwed part, turning the screw intermittently ineither di rection. The upper plate is preferably provided with a numberof holes at suitable points in which can be placed small plugs,

projecting slightly above, to ease the foot at` any point where a cornmay have grown. In order that the invention may be more clearlyunderstood, reference is had to the accompanying sheet of drawings, inwhich- Figure l. is a vertical section of a shoe, having one form of myimproved stretcher placed in position; Fig. 2 a plan of the device withthe upper plate removed; Fig. 3 a plan of the upper plate; Fig. 3a aview of one of the above mentioned plugs; and Figs. 4 and 5 are sectionsof two modications.

Referring to Figs. l, 2, and 3 A is the shoe,

in the toe a of which the device is placed,

the plate B resting on the sole and forming the base plate ot the devicecarrying the other parts. Fixed on the upper side of Bis the socket C,provided with an internal screw thread, carrying the pin D, which canscrew up or down in the socket. On the top of this pin the upperplateEis iitted, which is curved to follow the upper of the toe, so thatby turning the pin D in the socket the plate E can be raised, expandingthe toe o'l or lowered when to be removed. The plate E is preferend ofthe pin D loosely riveted to it, so that. the latter may turn freely init. The pin D is furnished with the iiange or disk F having a number ofteeth f, by means of which it is turned. To operate the device the leverGr is employed, cranked at its outer end and furnished with a handle g,which projects through the mouth ofthe boot or shoe so that the levercan be operated from the outside, the lever turning loosely on the pin Dso that it can be raised slightly as well as turned. The pin g', on thelever G is situated so that it can engage with the teeth of the flange,

turning the pin D with the lever. Thus thelever by being turned on itspivot when the pin is engaged with the flange, raised and moved back tofirst position, the operation being then repeated, will turn the pin Dintermittently in one direction raising or lowering it as desired. Theupper plate E as shown in Fig. 3, is formed with a number of holes e, inwhich the plugs e (shown in side elevation in Fig. 3a) can be placed toact as corn easers, relieving the toe at the required points.

Fig. 4 shows a slightly modied construction in which a loose screwedsocket His eniployed, the pin D screwing into it. The toothed flange Ffor operating the device is formed on the socket H, which can turnloosely in the fixed socket. In this case the upper plate is fixedrigidly to the pin D.

Fig. 5 shows a similar arrangement, but instead of the pin being screwedit simply rests in the socket H, the latter screwing in and out of thefixed socket. This device can be readily applied by any person beingeasily pnt in proper position, the user employing his judgment inregulating the pressure.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent,is-

1. A stretching device for boots and shoes consisting of a base plate,an upper curved plate mounted on the base plate and titting the upper ofthe boot, a screwed socket'and pin supporting the said upper plate andfurnished with a flange, and a loosely pivoted lever, operated from theopen end of the boot, engaging with and being disengaged from the saidflange, turning it in either direction and raising or lowering the upperzoo plate, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

2. A stretching device for boots and shoes, consisting of two plates,one resting on the soleand the other bearing against the upper, theylatter being carried on a screwed pin working in a fixed socketon thelower plate, and furnished with a toothed ilange, turned by means of aloosely pivoted lever, capable of engaging with and being disengagedfrom the ange, substantially as described and shown.

3. In a device for stretching the uppers of boots and shoes, thecombination of a base plate carrying a screwed socket in which a screwedpin turns supporting a curved plate fitting the upper and furnished witha number of holes in which plugs can be inserted, With a toothed flangeon the pin,'operated by a loosely pivoted lever turning on the pin witha projection which can engage with and be disengaged from the flange,substantially as and for the purposes specied.

Y In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, this 20th day ofMarch, 1893, in the 25 presence of two witnesses.

ROBERT TREWEM BEAR. In presence of- WALTER F. GOODWIN, Chemist, 2OCornwall Street, Plymouth.

ERNEST T. CooKs,

20 Cornwall S15.

